Happy Thanksgiving!

WOW! Ingram, The TIDE Pull It Out!

TIDE WINS! TIDE WINS!

Talk about a 'nail-biter'! Ryan Mallett and the 10th-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks took advantage of a tentative, young BAMA secondary to take a 20-7 lead, but the CRIMSON TIDE fought back with three picks and a late Mark Ingram touchdown to top the Hawgs 24-20.

Hard-fought, tough SEC matchup by some tough teams. Arkansas shouldn't drop too much after this game, but the pollsters are a bit unpredictable.

Auburn stymied my picks by taking advantage of a couple of Stephen Garcia fumbles (from HARD, clean licks, I might add) and an interception of his backup. Another tough nail-biter.

Ole Miss even got lucky and beat Fresno St. Houston Nutt's Akbars live to fight another week.

Mississippi State...?? Are you KIDDING me...? Boy, is Mark Richt ever on the hot seat... AGAIN...!

UCLA upset Texas in one NOBODY saw coming.

Boise State foiled my upset pick by making some big plays.

I LOVE college football.

P.S.: NOTE TO EVERYONE- Functions, showers, Weddings and ALL non-football-related events should NOT be scheduled during FOOTBALL SEASON. This makes for poor attendance, and for a miserable experience for the half of the guests who can't concentrate on the festivities.

Just sayin'......

BAMA QB Greg McElroy KNOWS People

Great article over on TideSports.com about THE University of ALABAMA Quarterback Greg McElroy and the people he knows.

This piece offers great insight on how some folks --many of them prominent and influential-- are impressed by this young man.

Roll Tide, Greg!

This Week's Picks

Alright! Week four of college football, and here are my usual predictions and picks. THIS edition includes one big upset pick, a little later in the post.

THE University of Alabama opens up their SEC play with a trip up to Fayetteville to face the 10th-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks.
In a game to be nationally televised by CBS, all the hype seems to be about Ryan Mallett's arm and the Hogs' high-powered passing attack. Much like last year, I expect The Tide to be all up in his grill, and I hope our young secondary can cover their speedy receivers. Look for the Bama 'D' to put a 'Colt McCoy' on Mallett.
Offensively, I see The Tide's initial plan to be a grinding, power ground-control strategy to keep the Razorbacks off the field. Possibly two 100-yard rushers...? If it does, however, turn into a foot-race.... I still like our chances. A poised McElroy and fleet of hungry receivers?
Pick: ALABAMA 42, Arkansas 20.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: This season, as in the past, I WILL be continuing my ritual of consuming representations of our opponent. This week I will be having bacon and other forms of pork yet to be determined!)

Everyone Else

SEC:

South Carolina 24, auburn 21 Spurrier is a little more slick.

Florida 31, Kentucky 24 Gators start to gel after tense 3 1/2 quarters.

Georgia 24, Mississippi State 17 MSU comes alive, but Georgia finally puts one together.
LSU 31, West Virginia 28 Tigers pull one out in raucous Baton Rouge night game.

tennessee 5, UAB 3

Fresno State 28, Ole Miss 14 Akbars are in trouble.

National:
TCU 31, SMU 14
Texas 31, UCLA 14
Penn State 21, Temple 10
Oregon 28, Arizona St. 20
Stanford 35, Notre Dame 21
Oklahoma 49, Cincinnati 24

UPSET ALERT!

Oregon State 31, Boise State 27 Mike Riley is the giant-killer.

On a totally relevant and related note, I've been calling local talk and sport radio stations with picks and commentary using the name "Cook". I then, to their surprise, do a long Beano Cook impersonation to spice up the shows.
A little self-gratification, if you will.

My Picks For This Weekend

Well, last week I did pretty decent, except my choosing of tennessee over Oregon. I also missed on Miami-Ohio St. and Michigan's squeaker over Notre Dame.
I don't care about any of these teams anyway, so 'Whatevah!'

Now for THIS week:
S.E.C.-
ALABAMA 42, Duke 3 If The Tide steps it up a notch, this could be a shutout.
Florida 21, tennessee 7 Will probably be ugly.
Arkansas 35, Georgia 21 Should be the most interesting matchup of the weekend.
Ole Miss 5, Vandy 3 Akbars can score, but can they stop even the 'Dores...?
LSU 21, Mississippi St. 20 Bulldogs keep getting closer and closer. Miles is due to blow one.
Kentucky 28, Akron 14
South Carolina 42, Furman 17
auburn 24, Clemson 21 Too much orange. Both Tigers.

Top 25
Ohio St. 35, Ohio 14
Penn St. 24, Kent St. 7
Texas 31, Texas Tech 28
Notre Dame 17, Michigan St. 14
Boise St. 28, Wyoming 14
Utah 21, New Mexico 14
USC 21, Minnesota 10
BYU 21, Florida St. 14
TCU 35, Baylor 20
Oklahoma 31, Air Force 10


That's all I have to say about that.

BAMA-Spurrier Scheduling Trivia

This season, beginning this Saturday (September 18), THE University of ALABAMA will play all former and current college teams that Steve Spurrier coached.
In chronological order.
Duke. The Blue Devils job was The Ol' Ball Coach's first head coaching gig.
Florida. Spurrier's alma mater and the site of his greatest success.
South Carolina. Currently, the Gamecocks are finally playing closer to his expectations. That will all come crashing to a halt when the meet The TIDE.

Well, I thought it was interesting, anyway.

On a totally unrelated note, I had a customer use the term "Shipoopy!" as an expression of disgust and disappointment. I thought it was cool.

Today's Picks (Just In Time...!)

Wow!
Last week, I was VERY surprised by Jacksonville State's upset of a way-ahead Ole Miss Rebels squad. I haven't seen a collapse like that since BAMA's DuBose era. Look for MY new Ole Miss mascot here in a couple of days...!

This Weeks SEC Picks:

ALABAMA 45, Penn State 17. Great matchup. Love Coach JoePa! Watched the replay of the 1979 Sugar Bowl this morning! The Tide is currently just too strong, though, and will have to TRY not to make it an even bigger blowout. RTR

Florida 24, South Florida 10
Arkansas 42, Louisiana-Monroe 21
LSU 27, Vandy 7

NOW for the HARD ones:
UPSET ALERT! Tennessee 21, Oregon 20 As much as I hate the viles, I like Derek Dooley. The son of legendary Georgia Coach Vince Dooley and a former Nick Saban assistant, DD will unfortunately probably do well with tennessee. Crap.

Speaking of Georgia, their matchup with South Carolina now has more twists than schoolgirl's French braids...!! Both teams were highly-regarded pre-season, but with all of the drama and suspensions....who knows..?? Spurrier's crafty, but without his big guns, what will happen?
A.J. Green's suspension on the Bulldog end takes away their most potent offensive weapon, so it will be interesting to see how they adapt. USC 24, Georgia 20

NATIONAL SCENE:
UMiami 24, Ohio State 20
Texas 35, Wyoming 14
Oklahoma 28, Florida State 27
Notre Dame 21, Michigan 17

WOW! First Weekend of College Football!

Jacksonville State...? Seriously....?

I can't believe that Ole Miss let this team come back on them. Boy, talk about a 'hot seat' for Houston Nutt. The Rebel faithful will be ALL over this!

I will be posting my suggestions for the new mascot later today! (Stay tuned!)

And Les Miles didn't do himself any favors, either, by having his LSU defense allow a comeback scare by a North Carolina Tarheels squad with 14 starters suspended...! (Memo to self: Check out the Tigah fan blogs....!)

One last observation: Boise State actually looked better than I thought they would. They played Virginia Tech hard, and the Hokies couldn't over-come their OWN mistakes to pull this one out.

First Picks of the Season!

Okay.

New season. New players. ALABAMA's not 'defending' their National Championship. They're trying to win another. Here's hoping that they DO.

I was a little sad that we didn't have a 'marquee' game, taking center stage with sole possession of the national spotlight. With the 'creampuff', The TIDE will be able to rotate players, giving many younger and freshman players 'game experience'. (Though they probably get more competition in practice! Just sayin'...!) San Jose State MIGHT score 3, but I doubt it.

I have been unable to be at my computer, so I missed picking Thursday's games. Here, for MY enjoyment, are this week's SEC picks, followed by some national ones.

THE University of ALABAMA 54, SJSU 0 (First-string sits after 4-score 1st qtr)

Florida 56, Miami, OH 14 (Post-Tebow, Gators air it out)

Arkansas 42, Tennessee Tech 17 (Mallett puts up big numbers against patsies)

LSU 49, North Carolina 14 (NC uses freshmen due to suspensions)

Georgia 45, La-Lafayette 10

Ole Miss 35, Jax St. 14

Kentucky 24, Louisville 21

Tennessee 3, UT-Martin 2

Mississippi State 17, Memphis 14

Vanderbilt 10, Northwestern 9

auburn 45, Arkansas State 10

South Alabama 35, Pikeville 17

Texas 66, Rice 21

TCU 14, Oregon St 13

Oklahoma 49, Utah St. 21

Nebraska 38, Western Kentucky 7

Penn State 45, Youngstown St 10

Florida State 77, Samford 3

W. Virginia 55, Coastal Carolina 14

Monday:

Virginia Tech 35, Boise St. 20 (Shut up & sit down, Boise!)

It's THAT Time Again.....! ONLY......

7 Days 'Til Kickoff....!!

Wow! It doesn't seem like THAT long ago that THE University of Alabama Crimson Tide pounded on Texas to win the BCS Championship.

Yet, here we are again on the brink of another wonderful college football season. Technically, the season starts Thursday night as South Carolina takes on Southern Miss. Interesting not only because it's COLLEGE FOOTBALL, but because it's an SEC team taking on a neighbor.

MY anticipation, however, is for Saturday's contest featuring The TIDE's opener against San Jose State.

Oh.... And I get another epidural Monday. WOO-HOO...!!

Nice Pic

Meant to post this last week, but got sidetracked. Go, Vols! Go directly to JAIL! Do not pass 'Go', do not collect $200!

Some Photoshop for Uncle Henry

Here is a little composition that I put together for Uncle Henry, featuring a couple of Alabama Crimson Tide icons and a Superman painting by the unequaled Alex Ross.

I changed the color scheme of Superman's costume to reflect the Crimson Tide uniform, and replaced his iconic shield with the 'Alabama' bullet. I simply cut-and-pasted the head to create an avatar suitable for web useage (i.e. for blog replies, comments, etc.).

Yes, this was inspired by an LSU-themed tiger icon, but Crimson is MUCH prettier than purple, and Big Al is MUCH better-looking!

Feel free to copy and utilize!

The TIDE Racks Up In Recruiting-- Again!

The University of Alabama Crimson Tide completed another stellar recruiting season, and although they weren't a consensus recruiting champ again, most rankings had them in various top-5 spots. ESPN ranked them at #3, behind Florida & Texas. Rivals has us 5th, behind USC, Florida, Texas & auburn. Scout has us rated 4th, behind Florida, Oklahoma & Texas.

By the way, did I mention that BAMA beat Florida, Texas and auburn on the field this year...? Coach Saban has a process and a thoroughly-prepared menu of what he's looking for, so I am pretty sure he got what he wanted, with one exception.

As the success continues, and the winning and championships pile up, look for The TIDE to continue to pull in top talent.

ROLL TIDE!

Defending ALABAMA's (and WalMart's) Honor

A couple of weeks ago, there were some bitter columns in the Mobile Press-Register, along with a cartoon by j.d. crowe, that kind of upset me. I sent an e-mail to the editor, and here is the e-mail in its entirety:

As a long-time subscriber to the Press-Register and a long-time supporter of The University of Alabama Crimson Tide, I feel the need to respond to both the article and the Crowe cartoon regarding Alabama and Wal-Mart.

Both Mr. Crowe and the obviously bitter and biased Kelso seem to take pleasure in belittling and ridiculing Bama fans who want to see (or be photographed with) the crystal championship trophy. First, let me say that many of these people are fans and supporters of The University, but probably will never be able to actually afford to attend a game due to the expense and logistical hurdles in doing so. Most folks can’t afford the price of a ticket, much less the cost of a day-long trip and the possible additional expense of food and/or lodging. They DO, however, support The University and the team by purchasing officially-licensed apparel, home decor and other items to show their loyalty. For many, this is the closest they will ever get to actually being a ‘part’ of history. With the unemployment, loss of industry and income, (plus the economy) pride in the accomplishments of the premier college in the state is one of the few things to make some folks feel good about themselves.

First, for mr. crowe: You really seem to delight in portraying ALL Alabamians as toothless, overweight hicks. While we do have our share, I must advise you that these people are EVERYWHERE. If one has ever travelled by ground to our nation’s capitol, you would see that ‘civilization’ up there also seemingly ends once you ‘turn off the paved road’. Trailer parks stuck on hillsides are prevalent throughout the entire Virginia landscape. As much as you seem to loathe your audience and the region in which you work, you should probably consider re-location. Your liberal, leftist views would be better suited to the Huffington Post or the fading New York Times.

For the ‘Austin American-Statesman’s john kelso, I can’t believe that ANYone from Texas would dare say ANYthing about ANYone ANYwhere driving a truck. Contrary to your uninformed and biased view, many in Alabama DO know what Waterford crystal is. Your obvious jealousy over your team’s defeat is displayed by your bilous vitriol.

While the First Amendment and your current employment give you the platform to spew your jealousy, nothing changes the fact that The Crimson Tide BEAT the Texas Longhorns 37-21 to win the BCS National Championship. Insulting the fans and supporters of Alabama only makes you look sad and petty.

Roll Tide!
Brent Amacker (Register Subscriber)

Here is her response, along with the edited version of the above message:
From: Coleman , Frances [mailto:FColeman@press-register.com] Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2010 9:57 AMTo: John B. Amacker - MobileSubject: RE: Negative Stereotypes

Hi, Mr. Amacker, and thank you very much for your letter. It was longer than we're able to accommodate, so I trimmed it some, and wanted you to look at the edited version and see if it suits you. I've pasted it on to this email. (And Mr. Kelso's columns DO make him look sad and petty!)

Frances

Frances Coleman
Editorial Page Editor
Mobile Press-Register
P.O. Box 2488
Mobile, AL 36652
251-219-5607

------------------------------------------------
¶
Both cartoonist J.D. Crowe and the obviously bitter and biased syndicated columnist John Kelso seem to take pleasure in belittling and ridiculing Bama fans who want to see (or be photographed with) the crystal championship trophy. ¶
First, let me say that many of these people are fans and supporters of the University of Alabama , but probably will never be able to actually afford to attend a game due to the expense and logistical hurdles in doing so. ¶
They do, however, support the university and the team by purchasing officially-licensed apparel, home decor and other items to show their loyalty. For many, this is the closest they will ever get to being a part of history. ¶
Mr. Crowe seems to delight in portraying all Alabamians as toothless, overweight hicks. While we do have our share, I must advise him that these people are everywhere. ¶
His liberal, leftist views would be better suited to the Huffington Post or the fading New York Times. ¶
For the Austin American-Statesman’s Mr. Kelso, his obvious jealousy over his team’s defeat is displayed by his bilous vitriol. ¶
While the First Amendment and his current employment give Mr. Kelso the platform to spew his jealousy, nothing changes the fact that the Crimson Tide beat the Texas Longhorns 37-21 to win the BCS National Championship. Insulting the fans and supporters of Alabama only makes him look sad and petty. ¶
BRENT AMACKER ¶
Mobile 

ROLL TIDE! UNIVERSITY of ALABAMA WINS BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

ROLL TIDE, people.
THE University of ALABAMA Crimson Tide rolled to another National Championship last night, beating the Texas Longhorns in Pasadena. The TIDE is back where they belong. On top of the college football world. In three short years, Coach Nick Saban has resurrected one of the most storied programs and placed us firmly where we belong.
The national media, partisan naysayers and bitter auburn types will say "What if...?" and "Well, if only....!", but BAMA did exactly as I thought they would. Take McCoy out. Now, don't get me wrong-- I'm not rooting for anyone to get hurt, and I love a hard-fought, evenly-matched game, but THAT'S THE JOB OF THE DEFENSE-- to take the opposition out of their game plan!
It was a clean hit, just one that pinched a nerve in the Texas qb's shoulder.
As my pre-game prediction stated: "POW! Right in the Kisser!"

This from the Denver Post: "It took Colt McCoy four years to return to the Rose Bowl for a shot at a national title. It took five plays for him to go back to his old spot on the Rose Bowl sideline.
An injury to his throwing shoulder on Texas' first drive turned the Longhorns' BCS championship on Thursday night into no more than a wing and a prayer. Yet with a wing from a freshman quarterback who overcame a horrid first half and a stout defense that dominated the second, Texas had a prayer before finally falling to top-ranked Alabama 37-21."
The Tide pounded backup quarterback Garrett Gilbert, like Eryk Anders demonstrates above. The Longhorns' backup qb kept plugging away, though. The Texas offense finally got on track, but BAMA bowed up and make some big plays to put the game away in the fourth quarter.

Above, Marcel Dareus scores a touchdown in the waning moments of the first half.

As usual, even after being ranked #1, and man-handling media darling and favored Florida Gators in the SEC Championship, ALABAMA was not given the proper credit due prior to this game. Many of the 'experts' and 'pundits', including Lou Holtz and USC coach Pete Carroll, picked the Longhorns to take the title. I KNEW we were going to win when Lee Corso also picked Texas.

That's okay. Let 'em hate. Let 'em keep rooting against us. Even with graduation and several probable early departures for the NFL, Coach Saban has stockpiled some talent, with more on the way. This looks like the beginning of another chapter of 'winning tradition'.

Two of My Favorite Things

The University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team travelled to Pasadena Friday to prepare for The BCS National Championship Game this Thursday night. After a few bouts of sightseeing and some promotional events, including a trip to Disneyland, BAMA will begin final practices before facing the Texas Longhorns and the bitter, Heisman-jilted Colt McCoy.

Photo by Bill Starling/Press-Register Nick Saban takes a moment to pose with Mickey Mouse during the Crimson Tide's visit to Disneyland in preparation for Thursday's BCS national championship game.

A perceived slight by Heisman voters will be the least of McCoy's worries, once the game kicks off and he begins to take the relentless beatings from the punishing attack of the Crimson Tide defense. Texas is no pushover, regardless of recent struggles, and Coach Saban is putting a stop to any possible over-confidence from this focused and purpose-driven BAMA unit. That being said, by listening to ESPN announcers Ron Franklin and Bob Davie one would think that the Longhorns are the team to beat. Good. Those pricks have no idea what they're talking about. Bama's played better competition all year, week-in and week-out. Coach Saban will have these young men prepared.

While watching the Sugar Bowl the other night, I was amused when - during Florida's blowout of Cincinnati- one of their announcers asked: "If this Gator team is this good, just how good is Alabama...?" This, of course, was in reference to the SEC Championship beatdown.

Thursday can't get here soon enough.

ROLL TIDE!

MARK INGRAM TIDE'S FIRST HEISMAN WINNER!

WOW! Tailback Mark Ingram became BAMA's FIRST Heisman Trophy winner last night! In the closest voting EVER, he emerged the victor! Some 'talking heads' in the media say he was undeserving, or somebody else was better, blah, blah, blah....!
He was the BEST player on THE BEST TEAM IN THE COUNTRY! Deal with it!
Roll Tide!

Motivational Poster

BAMA Twins Watch as TIDE Pulls One Out

Irvington, AL---- Wade and Colton Ellis nervously munched on snacks and leftovers as they watched The University Of Alabama Crimson Tide narrowly escape an upset by auburn in the 2009 Alabama-auburn Game.

Wade seems to be saying "I can't look...!"

After The Tide came from behind in the final
moments, Wade appears to be telling an obviously very distraught Colton that "Yep! I knew we were gonna win all along....!"

Colton almost looks like he's waving and singing the classic "Nah nah Naaah Nah! Nah nah Naaah Nah! Hey, Heeeyy, Hey, ROLLL TIIIDE!! Buh-Bye, auburn.....!"

Happy THANKSGIVING!

Wishing you ALL a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
We are going to celebrate and eat with the New BAMA Twins, Wade & Cole Ellis, and their family today.
Only 1 day til The Iron Bowl!
ROLL TIDE!